I want to expand a thought today that was in yesterday’s reading. I said yesterday that we are to make disciples of people and not converts. That’s what this section is all about – how to grow people into disciples.

What is the difference between a disciple and a convert? Good question. Here is the answer:

1. A convert holds onto his religion and doctrines while a disciple abides in Jesus (John 15:5); “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

2. A convert is steady working to try and please the Lord while a disciple builds his intimacy with Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

3. A convert claims his beliefs but a disciple is concerned with obedience (Luke 6:46) “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

Now that we have seen the difference between the two let us concentrate more on what it means to be a disciple. In Matthew 10:24-25 we learn four things about disciples.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!”

1. A Disciple is a Committed Follower of Jesus Christ: When we receive the gift of salvation we become disciples and a disciple should give total commitment and loyalty to Jesus Christ. A disciple should not be half-hearted in his following of Jesus!

2. A Disciple is a Consistent Learner: When we follow Jesus we must devote ourselves to His Word. A disciple never stops learning but no matter how much he thinks he already knows he is never as wise as the Master.

3. A Disciple is a Carbon Copy of His Master: As a disciple of Jesus we are to emulate His character. It is true that we will never be as perfect as He is in this life, but that should never keep us from striving to be like Him.

Today’s Prayer

Father, I want to be a true disciple and not merely a convert of Your Son Jesus. Lord, I commit myself to a life long journey of discipleship. My desire is to be more and more like Jesus. Help me Lord to keep on the narrow road. I love You in Jesus’ Name, Amen.